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The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has awarded nearly $700,000 in grant funding to 38 community-based agencies. Distributed through two targeted programs, the grants aim to address critical regional needs and expand access to after-school and out-of-school time opportunities for children and youth across North Central Massachusetts.
For the 2025–2026 funding cycle, UWNCM’s Community Impact Fund awarded $550,000 to 27 nonprofit organizations, supporting 45 programs in key focus areas including Early Education and Care, Youth Development, Basic Needs, and Housing and Homelessness. These areas reflect some of the most pressing challenges facing families in the region.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts, Inc. was among the grant recipients.
“Through the Critical Home Repair program, Habitat NCM helps residents stay safely in their existing affordable homes, and the United Way grant will allow us to expand the program to help more local seniors and families,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director. “The United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community, and our partnership will bring that care to more of our neighbors in need.”
In addition, UWNCM awarded $131,271 to 11 local agencies through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) After School and Out-of-School Time (ASOST) Program. The funding comes from a DESE grant awarded to a regional collaborative of United Ways serving Central, North Central, and South-Central Massachusetts. The initiative supports and enhances after-school and summer programs, ensuring that children and youth have access to safe, enriching environments.
This round of DESE funding will support a wide range of summer programming—offering young people opportunities to attend camp, visit museums, and take part in educational field trips. To date, UWNCM has distributed almost $2 million in DESE grant funds to local nonprofit organizations, public school systems, and municipalities.
The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts received a DESE grant to support their summer camp programs.
“We are grateful to the United Way of North Central Massachusetts for their support of our Community-Based Programs,” said CEO Theresa Lynn. “This funding allows us to bring the Girl Scout experience to girls who might not otherwise have access. From exploring creativity and wellbeing through Joy in Art & Nature, to building confidence in STEAM and social media literacy, and promoting wellness through Your Best You, these programs empower girls. We’re thrilled to launch these opportunities this summer, thanks to the United Way of North Central Massachusetts.”
Judy Tomlinson, UWNCM Director of Community Impact, emphasized the importance of these investments:
“Funding local nonprofit organizations is an investment in our communities. These organizations are often on the front lines, addressing urgent needs and creating lasting impact where it matters most. Supporting them means empowering local solutions and strengthening the social fabric around us.”
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
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Grant Awardees:
Athol Area YMCA
Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner FLL
Catholic Charities Worcester County
Fitchburg Public Schools
Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School
Gardner CAC
Ginny's Helping Hand, Inc.
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM)
Growing Places
Guild of St. Agnes Early Education and Child Care
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
House of Peace & Education Inc.
LUK, Inc.
Loaves & Fishes Pantry in Devens, MA
Making Opportunity Count
Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Inc.
NewVue Communities
North Star Family Services, Inc.
Opportunities for Hope
Pathways for Change, Inc.
The Spanish American Center, Inc.
The Club: Lunenburg Teen Center
The Salvation Army Athol Corps
The Salvation Army Fitchburg
Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA
Winchendon Community Action Committee
YMCA of Central Massachusetts
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts received a DESE grant to support its Community-Based Programs for girls. Pictured: Troop 01273 from the Boys and Girls Club of Gardner.
